PESHAWAR: Authorities have uncovered financial irregularities worth Rs106 million in a World Bank-supported education project in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, officials said on Wednesday.
An inquiry into the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Human Capital Investment Project (KP-HCIP), implemented by the Elementary and Secondary Education Department, found evidence of embezzlement and weak financial controls.
Officials removed the project director from his post with the approval of the chief secretary. Authorities have initiated disciplinary proceedings against him under the relevant rules.
The Planning and Development Department’s report held three key officials, including the project director, responsible for the irregularities. It cited poor oversight and negligence in financial management.
The inquiry found that cheque books were issued to unauthorized individuals. It said funds were withdrawn from banks through collusion. It also noted that officials failed to conduct monthly bank reconciliations, allowing the misappropriation to go undetected.
The report recommended referring the case to the National Accountability Bureau and the Federal Investigation Agency for further investigation, recovery of funds, and possible criminal action.
The project, backed by the World Bank, aimed to improve school infrastructure in districts including Peshawar, Haripur, Nowshera, and Swabi by building classrooms and raising education standards.
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Officials said the misappropriation has undermined the project’s objectives and raised concerns over governance and accountability.
